1930s Slang Dictionary

One of the best parts about writing the 1930s is the colourful slang of the time period. The context of the slang in the books makes its meaning fairly easy to understand, but here is a slang dictionary to help you along. I have divided the dictionary alphabetically by the start of the slang phrase. The slang included is found in Book 1 - Dust and Devils. More slang will be added as the books are released.

A

Aces - very good ("That's aces," I said, grinnin'. - Dust and Devils)

B

Bean shooter - gun ("I didn't wanna wait around to see if he pulled out a knife or a bean shooter." - Dust and Devils)

Billy - a police officer's billy club ("I caught the policeman's billy across the back of my neck." - Dust and Devils)

Bulls - one of the many names used to describe a policeman. Bull was the generic term, whereas a "harness bull" was specifically a city cop. ("I nodded to a harness bull walkin' his beat." - Dust and Devils)